As I sit here, my heart races with excitement at the prospect of embarking on a global adventure. The world is a canvas waiting to be explored. The thought of circumnavigating the globe fills me with a sense of boundless possibility. Whether your travel wish list includes bustling metropolises like London, the serene beauty of Bangkok, or the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, an around the world itinerary allows you to uncover them all.
However, planning an around the world trip can seem daunting. But fear not, my fellow adventurer! In this article, I’ll share expert tips and tricks to help you craft your dream around the world itinerary. This will ensure an enriching and unforgettable worldwide journey.
Key Takeaways
- Designing your around the world itinerary is the fun part of planning a long-term trip
- Prioritize must-see destinations and time-sensitive spots on your travel wish list
- Involve travel companions, including children, to incorporate diverse interests
- Consider the optimal direction of travel to minimize jet lag
- Create a structured yet flexible itinerary to accommodate budget and scheduling needs
What's On Your Travel Wish List?
When planning your trip around the world, start by making a travel wish list. Think about where you really want to go. These places should be at the top of your itinerary. If there’s a spot you’re eager to explore, now is the time, thanks to long-term travel.
Generate Your Travel Bucket List
Take time to think about your travel dreams. Write down all the places you’ve always wanted to visit. This list can include famous landmarks, natural wonders, or cultural experiences you’ve dreamed of seeing. Keep looking at this list as you plan your trip.
Consider Time-Sensitive Destinations
Some places are best to visit at specific times for the best experience. For example, to see the wildebeest migration in Africa, visit Serengeti National Park between July and September. Plan your trip to match the best travel times for these places.
Get Input from Travel Companions
If you’re traveling with others, ask them about their dream destinations. This makes your trip more fun for everyone. By considering what your travel buddies want, you can make your journey more enjoyable for all.
Direction: East or West?
When planning your around the world trip, you must choose between west to east or east to west. Each path has its own benefits and drawbacks. Traveling from west to east means losing an hour in each time zone. But, you gain that time back when you cross the International Date Line.
On the other hand, going from east to west means losing a whole day at the International Date Line. Yet, you slowly get that day back as you move through time zones. Many find less jet lag when heading east to west.
I chose to travel from west to east for my trip. I started in Europe and ended in Nepal by September. This choice was based on cost and wanting to spend more time in key places. Starting in Europe let me find cheaper flights with airlines like Lufthansa and Swiss.
“Majority of round the world trips are once-in-a-lifetime experiences, indicating high emotional and personal significance to travelers.”
Traveling from west to east also helped me adjust to time zones better. This reduced jet lag effects. Remember, everyone’s travel needs are unique. So, consider your itinerary and goals when deciding your direction.
Your travel direction depends on many factors. These include your starting and ending points, budget, and personal preferences. Whether you choose east or west, plan wisely. This way, you’ll make the most of your time, save money, and create unforgettable memories on your journey.
Building Your around the world itinerary
Planning an around the world trip requires careful thought. You need to think about your budget, the best times to visit, and making room for downtime. This way, you can make a journey that fits your travel dreams and style.
Stick to Your Budget
Costs vary by destination. It’s smart to compare prices before you go. Places like Asia and South America are often cheaper. But, Japan and Western Europe can be pricier. Knowing the daily costs helps you budget for your trip.
Plan for Peak Season or Low Season
Traveling at the right time can save you money and avoid crowds. Shoulder season offers nice weather without the high prices. Make sure to check the best times to visit each place on your list.
Include Downtime and Flexibility
Traveling long distances can be tiring. It’s key to include rest days in your plan. This helps avoid burnout. Being flexible also lets you adjust to any unexpected changes during your trip.
By balancing your budget, choosing the right travel times, and planning for rest, you can make a great itinerary. It will be affordable and allow you to enjoy your journey fully.
Choose Your Destinations
Planning an around the world trip starts with picking your top places. These key spots will be the heart of your journey. Next, fill in the gaps with nearby places that fit your budget and travel style.
It’s key to balance seeing lots of places with enjoying each one deeply. Most trips visit 15-20 countries, but you can adjust based on your interests and time. Focus on enjoying the places you visit, as you can’t see everything.
| Destination | Duration |
|---|---|
| Bhutan | 1 week |
| India | 5 weeks |
| Myanmar | 2 weeks |
| Thailand | 1 month |
| Laos | 1 week |
| Cambodia | 2 weeks |
| Vietnam | 3 weeks |
| China, Hong Kong, & Macau | 1 month |
| Fiji | 1 week |
| Australia | 1 month |
This extensive trip covered 35 countries over 13 months. It showed us a wide range of cultures. Find the right balance for your travel style.
“In 1924, the first-ever circumnavigation of the globe by airplane took 175 days, 76 stops, required a cache of 15 Liberty engines, 14 spare pontoons, four aircraft, and two sets of new wings.”
Today, global airline alliances make planning easier. You can book tickets for 2 to 15 destinations worldwide. This makes planning your trip more accessible.
Plan Around Festivals and Events
When planning your around the world itinerary, look up major festivals and events. This can make your trip more exciting and authentic. It’s a great way to dive into local culture.
The Rio de Janeiro Carnival in Brazil is from February 9-17. The Afrika Burn festival in South Africa is from April 29 to May 5. The Lavender Festival in Croatia is in mid-July, and the Fiesta de la Vendimia in Mendoza, Argentina, is in the first week of March.
Don’t miss the Mongolian Naadam Festival from July 11-15. Also, the National Braai Day in South Africa is on September 24. And, the Primavera Sound music festival in Barcelona, Spain, is from May 29 to June 2.
| Event | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Rio de Janeiro Carnival | Brazil | February 9–17 |
| Afrika Burn | South Africa | April 29–May 5 |
| Lavender Festival | Croatia | Mid-July |
| Fiesta de la Vendimia | Mendoza, Argentina | First week of March |
| Mongolian Naadam Festival | Mongolia | July 11–15 |
| National Braai Day | South Africa | September 24 |
| Primavera Sound | Barcelona, Spain | May 29–June 2 |
By planning around festivals, your trip can be unforgettable. Choose festivals that match your interests. This is especially true if you’re traveling with kids who love the fun and colors of these events.
Conclusion
Planning an around the world itinerary might seem hard, but it’s doable. Start by making a list of your dream travel spots. Then, choose whether to travel east or west.
Next, plan your trip by mixing affordable places with must-see sights. Remember to include breaks and flexibility. Also, check out major festivals and events during your trip.
With smart planning, you can make an around the world itinerary that’s both cheap and exciting. So, grab a map, do your homework, and get set for the adventure of a lifetime. The world is yours to explore at your pace and on your terms.
Looking for cultural experiences, outdoor fun, or new places to discover? An around the world itinerary is your ticket to it all. So, what are you waiting for? Begin planning your dream trip planning now and start your epic journey.
FAQ
What should I consider when generating my travel wish list?
Start by making a list of places you want to see. Pick the top spots you must visit. If there’s a place you really want to explore, now is the time. Long-term travel gives you the chance to enjoy each place fully.
Also, think about places with the best travel times. These times can make your trip even better.
How can I involve my family in the itinerary planning process?
When traveling with your family, ask your kids where they’d like to go. This makes the trip more fun for everyone.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of traveling from west to east or east to west?
Traveling from west to east means losing an hour in each time zone. But, you gain it back crossing the International Date Line. Traveling from east to west means losing a day at the International Date Line. But, you get that day back slowly as you move through time zones.
Many people find traveling from east to west easier on their bodies.
How can I balance my budget with the destinations I want to visit?
Look at the cost of each country on your list. Some places are cheaper than others. For a budget-friendly trip, consider Asia, South America, parts of Africa, and Eastern Europe.
Also, plan for the best times to visit. This can affect how much you spend and how crowded places are.
How much flexibility should I build into my around the world itinerary?
Make sure to include downtime and flexibility in your plan. Travel can be tiring. Having days to rest helps avoid burnout.
How many destinations should I include in my around the world itinerary?
Most itineraries include 15-20 countries. But, you can see more or fewer places based on your interests and time. The goal is to see a lot but also enjoy each place fully.
How can I time my around the world trip to coincide with major festivals and events?
Plan your trip to catch cultural celebrations and festivals. This makes your journey more exciting and authentic. Research big events during your travel time. They can affect where you stay and how much you pay.
